Luton VS West Ham
Kenilworth Road is finally ready to host its first-ever Premier League game as Luton host West Ham Live on Friday Night Football. Luton were comfortably beaten 3-0 at Chelsea last week before they beat Gillingham 3-2 in the Carabao Cup, and they currently sit 19th in the table. West Ham pulled out a terrific 3-1 victory at Brighton in their last game and they’re currently second in the league! These two teams haven’t played each other in a competitive game since 1994 (FA Cup Quarter-Final). For Luton Town, there’s no doubt that Kenilworth Road’s going to be rocking tonight. The Hatters are ranked 18th in GPG (0.5) and they’re unbeaten in each of their last 9 home games. As for West Ham, I’m sure they would love to end Friday night top of the Premier League Table! The Hammers are ranked 3rd in GPG (2.3) and they also have the 3rd best away record in the league so far.
My Prediction: 1-2
Sheffield United VS Everton
Sheffield United host Everton in a big game for both sides. Sheffield United lost 2-1 at home to Manchester City last week before they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup on penalties by League 1 Lincoln. SU currently sit 17th in the table. Everton disappointingly lost 1-0 at home to Wolves last weekend before they beat Doncaster 2-1 in the League Cup. Everton are currently bottom of the league. In their previous 5 meetings, United have won 2 times compared to 3 wins for Everton. For Sheffield United, this is a big opportunity for them to pick up their first points of the season. The Blades are ranked 14th in GPG (0.7) and they are yet to win a game since being Promoted from the Championship. As for Everton, they cannot afford to lose this game. The Toffees are still yet to score in the league, and they are ranked 15th in GCPG (2.0).
My Prediction: 1-0
Brentford VS Bournemouth
Brentford drew 1-1 against both Crystal Palace and Newport County (eventually won 3-0 on penalties) and they currently sit 9th in the table. Bournemouth lost 2-0 at home to Tottenham last weekend before they beat Swansea 3-2 in the Carabao Cup, and they currently occupy 16th spot. In their previous 15 meetings, Brentford have won 6 times compared to 4 wins for Bournemouth. I love looking at the head-to-head record between these two teams as they’ve played each other in multiple leagues as well as the Johnstones’ Paint Trophy! For Brentford, they’ll expect to win here. The Bees are ranked 4th in GPG (2.0) and they’ve been awarded the most penalties in the league so far this season. As for AFC Bournemouth, Andoni Iraola will be looking for a big victory to really kick-start his Bournemouth career. The Cherries are ranked 14th in GPG (0.7) and they currently have the 5th worst away record in the league.
My Prediction: 3-1
Burnley VS Tottenham
Burnley were comfortably beaten 3-1 at home by Aston Villa last week before they picked up a good 1-0 victory away to Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. Burnley currently find themselves inside the Relegation Zone (18th). Tottenham beat Bournemouth 2-0 last weekend before they were disappointingly knocked out of the Carabao Cup on penalties by Fulham. Tottenham currently sit third in the table. In their previous 17 meetings, Burnley have only won 2 times whilst Spurs have won 11 times. For Burnley, they need to try and build on that positive midweek victory with a result here. The Clarets are ranked 18th in GPG (0.5) and 19th in GCPG (3.0) which isn’t very good. As for Tottenham Hotspur, Ange Postecoglou will be hoping that his side can bounce straight back from a disappointing cup exit with a big victory here. Spurs are ranked 4th in GPG (2.0) and they’ve kept two clean sheets so far in the league.
My Prediction: 2-2
Chelsea VS Nottingham Forest
Chelsea have beaten both Luton and AFC Wimbledon in the past week and they currently occupy 10th spot. Nottingham Forest have lost to both Manchester United and Burnley in the past week (Burnley in the Cup) and they currently sit 14th in the table. In their previous 5 meetings, Chelsea have won 3 times and there have also been 2 draws. You’d have to go back to 1997 for the last time Notts Forest defeated Chelsea (2-0). For Chelsea, they should win this game. The Blues are ranked 9th in GPG (1.7) and they are ranked 3rd in “Big Chances Created” with 9. As for Nottingham Forest, I’ve been impressed with them so far this season and I’m intrigued to see how they get on in this one. Forest are also ranked 9th in GPG (1.7) and Taiwo Awoniyi is currently the joint-top Goalscorer in the Prem so far.
My Prediction: 2-2
Manchester City VS Fulham
Manchester City won 2-1 at Sheffield United last Sunday and they currently sit top of the league as the only team with a 100% record. Fulham have had a positive week as they drew 2-2 at Arsenal in the league before they knocked Tottenham out of the Carabao Cup. Fulham currently find themselves in 12th. In their previous 17 meetings, Man City have won a massive 15 times whilst Fulham haven’t won once. Fulham last victory over the Champions came back in 2009. For Manchester City, they want to head into the first international break of the season still with their 100% record intact. City are ranked 4th in GPG (2.0) and they’ve won each of their last 14 games against Fulham. As for Fulham, I think they’ll once again thrive on the fact that people expect them to lose. The Cottagers are ranked 13th in GPG (1.0) and they’ve conceded the most penalties in the league so far (2).
My Prediction: 4-2
Brighton VS Newcastle
Brighton host Newcastle in a really exciting Saturday Night Football clash. Brighton were stunned 3-1 at home by West Ham last week and they currently sit 6th in the table as a result. Newcastle were stunned by Liverpool last week (lost 2-1) and they currently find themselves down in 13th place. In their previous 16 meetings, Brighton have won 6 times compared to 4 victories for Newcastle. For Brighton and Hove Albion, this is a good opportunity for them to bounce back. The Seagulls are ranked 1st in GPG (3.0) and they have the 9th best home record in the league (so far). As for Newcastle United, it’s kind of important that they go into the international break on the back of a positive result. The Magpies are ranked 4th in GPG (2.0) and 2nd in “Shots on Target Per Game” (7.3).
My Prediction: 3-2
Crystal Palace VS Wolves
Crystal Palace drew 1-1 away to London rivals Brentford last weekend before they beat Plymouth Argyle 4-2 in the Carabao Cup. Palace currently sit 11th in the table! Wolves have had a pretty good week as they’ve won both of their games against Everton and Blackpool by an aggregate score of 6-0. Wolves currently occupy 15th spot. In their previous 13 meetings, Palace have won 7 times whilst Wolves have won 5 times. For Crystal Palace, they probably should be winning this game. The Eagles are ranked 14th in GPG (0.7) and they currently have the 15th best home record in the league. As for Wolverhampton Wanderers, I feel that a result here would be a really big moment for them. Wolves are also ranked 14th in GPG (0.7) and 15th in “Shots on Target Per Game” (4.3).
My Prediction: 2-1
Liverpool VS Aston Villa
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool welcome Unai Emery’s Aston Villa to Anfield for what should be a really exciting game. Liverpool picked up a really good 2-1 win away to Newcastle last time out and they currently occupy a Top 4 spot (4th). Aston Villa have beaten Burnley (3-1) and Hibernian (3-0) in the past week and they currently sit 7th in the table. In their previous 23 meetings, Liverpool have won 14 times compared to 6 times for Villa. For Liverpool, a win here and it’s been a pretty good start to the new season for them. The Reds are ranked 4th in GPG (2.0) and they’re unbeaten against Aston Villa in their last 6 games (5W:1D). As for Aston Villa, they’ll go into this game with the belief that they can win. Villa are ranked 2nd in GPG (2.7) and they’ve won each of their last 4 games by an aggregate score of 15-1!
My Prediction: 2-2
Arsenal VS Manchester United
Arsenal welcome Manchester United to the Emirates Stadium for another huge game! Arsenal were disappointing last week as they drew 2-2 at home to Fulham and they currently sit 5th in the table. Manchester United came from behind to beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 and they currently occupy 8th position. In their previous 30 meetings, Arsenal have won 30% of the time compared to 47% for Man United. For Arsenal, it kind of feels like they need to win this game. The Gunners are ranked 9th in GPG (1.7) and no other team has been awarded more penalties in the league so far this season (2). As for Manchester United, they need to play a lot better if they’re going to get a result from this game. United are ranked 12th in GPG (1.3) and 2nd in “Big Chances Created” with 10.
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